Bolts and Lecavalier Close to Contract Extension

No matter which source you consult these days, the word is Vincent Lecavalier is staying in Tampa for the forseeable future.

Earlier today, TSN reported that while the details won't be announced until July 1, the Lightning and Lecavalier have agreed to a deal that will pay him $77 million over nine seasons and include a "no-movement" clause. Meanwhile, the Canadian Press reported that the deal will pay the center somewhere between $75 and $80 million over those same nine seasons. Lecavalier was entering the final year of a four-year, $27.5 million contract.

One quibble with these reports: Both refer to the completion of the deal as virtually assuring that Lecavalier will finish his career with the Lightning, but I think by now all of us know that's not true. All he has to do is waive his "no-movement" clause, and the Lightning can send him to a team and situation of his choosing -- an eventuality that's common as many players reach the end of their careers, teams seek to rebuild and veterans decide they want one more shot at winning a championship, even if it is in colors starkly different from the ones they've worn over the majority of their careers.

But that day, if and when it comes, is still a long ways off. For now, Lightning fans can feel secure in knowing that the team's cornerstone superstar isn't going anywhere.